safsnowball

According to this link, he got a 2 year suspended sentence, that's a real deterrent My link

Hear hear

Have a look at pure Tung Oil, I've just done some Oak doors with it, made a beautiful finish.

Thanks, set Sky box to record the series, mainly so I can again see the bit where she steps out onto the gunnels above the sheer drop on the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, and also to see the look on the face of the guy steering as she does it.

I wouldn't be too sure of that, you'll definitely need your waterproofs on going through the Standedge

Perhaps it's reverse psychology, if you say it will take 14 days to a month and then you do it much quicker people might think what a good job you've done.

I had a look at what was going on yesterday. They've installed a dam below the lock to try and stop water flowing back into it which seems mostly successful. The stop planks above the lock now seem to be doing their job also. The main problem I could see was that there appears to be a bywash which actually runs back in just below the bottom gates. This is, however, inside the dam they have made which is what seems to be making it difficult if not impossible to drain the lock. Somebody also told me that the next lock up, 21w, is proving extremely difficult to fill. It's always been really slow but apparently it's now a major problem. I've seen nothing from BW about the issue.

I was saying (or trying to say) that they have ineffective stop planks at 20W as well as 1W that you were talking about

Not quite sure what "old problems" have been fixed Martin. The original stoppage was to allow re-grouting of the lock walls. I had a look today and no re-grouting has been done. As with lock 1W it also seems like they have got stop planks in which aren't doing a very effective job at holding the water back.

Link to Pennine Waterways site, which shows latest position I think Linky

To BW's credit I have received a speedy response to my email to them. Reproduced below for those interested/affected by the stoppages. "We apologise for the confusion regarding the stoppages you listed below. Lock 16W to 17W: The retaining wall which collapsed is currently in the process of being rebuilt to re-open the towpath, the rubble will be removed from the canal and towpath during these works. The canal level should not have been low today and we thank you for bringing this to our attention, we are currently investigating why it was low and hope to have it refilled tomorrow. Halls Lock 20W: Unfortunately due to the works being carried on Halls Bridge by contractors for British Gas, the planned works on the lock have been delayed but are due to start on Monday 19 March, this will not affect the completion date of March 30th. Halls Bridge, Lock 20W: Works are currently being carried out by British Gas contractors. The navigation is still open and the contractors are escorting boats through whilst this is on-going. There shouldn’t be any problems with your passage through this navigation this weekend, however, if you would like further clarification or have any other enquiries please feel free to contact us on 01782 785703"

My original post refers to three stoppages, two of the three are BW's responsibility and I still think the third will prove to be also. I'd be surprised if the contractor happened to have the necessary anti-vandal key and windlass , but its pointless debating the issue further, let's see what BW say if they respond.

Well have a look for yourself as you have suggested. I have emailed BW, will see what their response is. n.b You did jump down my throat a little bit, but hey I'm thick skinned

To clear up any misunderstanding, this is the stoppage notification I would have been better quoting Towpath Closure only: Huddersfield Narrow Canal, Between Bridge 87 and Bridge 85 20 Feb 2012 - 23 Mar 2012 Associated Regional Office: Manchester & Pennine Waterways Details and reasons for restriction: To facilitate re-build of fallen retaining wall. British Waterways apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Sorry I think you misunderstand my point. I am well aware that the towpath has been closed for years, and of course know that the pound hasn't been drained in that period. BW recently issued a new stoppage notice which relates to the rebuilding of the retaining wall . What you possibly don't realise is that at long last they have started this work. There are two bucket diggers working in a precarious position on the high steeply sloping banking and as I have said large rocks and rubble have rolled down into the canal. I have little doubt that the draining is a deliberate act - by BW or the contractors I know not.